With only a few weeks to go in her pregnancy, Asta began to prepare for her usual tea with Frigga. However, when she got to the door, she found the former queen there.

"Mother, I thought we were meeting elsewhere?" she said.

"Yes, well, I thought maybe you would enjoy a little less walking today and we shall have tea on your balcony instead. If that's alright with you?"

"You always seem to know. My back is aching terribly today, so yes, I do appreciate that."

Frigga smiled. "Splendid." She turned around to address a servant behind her. "Yes, we shall have that on this balcony, please."

The two women settled in and chatted. This was one of Asta's favorite things to do and her mother-in-law was always a pleasure to chat with. They shared a very close bond, so Asta was only a bit nervous when she finally asked, "May I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course, my dear. I feel as though I have been waiting for this question."

Asta didn't even bother to ask how Frigga knew. She just continued on. "Why did you never tell Loki about his true heritage?"

"When this child is born, if they are blue, will you love them any less?"

"Of course not!"

"Then there you go. When Odin brought Loki home, I was disappointed in him. It was a reckless decision. But I knew that if Laufey found out, the war that was already occurring would be even more catastrophic. And the moment I laid eyes on the baby, I knew he needed a mother, so I vowed then and there to treat him no different than my other son. Loki was my child and I felt that deep into my heart. Odin demanded that the child never know he was adopted, so I went along with it. Like I said, I didn't approve of his reasoning, but I was determined to give the baby a proper life. I knew he would be magically powerful, what with performing a glamoring spell at just a few weeks old, so I taught him. Asta, I know you probably do not condone how it was all handled, but never doubt that Loki was loved. And neither of us, even Odin, meant for things to turn out the way they did."

Asta was quiet for a moment. She definitely did not condone how they did things. And she didn't totally believe that Odin loved Loki equally. But what happened was in the past and they could only move forward now. Loki didn't hold it against Frigga, so Asta really couldn't either.

"I understand," Asta said. "Loki loves you with all his heart and that says volumes about your connection. I do thank you for the love you showed him and all you taught him."

"You will understand, Asta. A mother's love is indescribable. When you finally hold your little one in your arms, you will be filled with a perception that is not bestowed to everyone."

Asta rubbed a gentle hand along her belly. "I'm very torn between wanting to finally meet him and wanting to keep him all to myself in there."

Frigga smiled. "Yes, that is understandable. I'm sure Loki disagrees with you," she said with a chuckle.

"Oh, he's more than ready to finally meet him! We just don't know when this little prince will arrive. Frost Giant pregnancies take a little longer."

"I suppose it depends on his magic and how much he gets from his mother."

"I suppose. It's tough not knowing. Other mothers can have a due date to at least expect. It could be a few weeks or over a month from now. But Loki was small, so maybe he was premature? But Father would tell me that I was late being born. And I don't—"

Frigga put a hand on Asta's on her belly. "My dear, don't worry. I know it's hard not knowing when the baby will come, but know that the baby will come. And when he does, he will be so loved!"

"Loki is worried about what he'll look like," Asta said softly. "He worries that no one knows of his heritage, so if the baby is blue, it will look like I was unfaithful."

"Hmmm. I can see where that is a concern. Is that Loki's only fear?"

Asta gave a humorless chuckle. "Goodness, no. He's already feeling guilty that the baby will think himself a monster, if he does look like a frost giant."

"Well, we already know that no one is predetermined based on their heritage. Loki being a Jotun has never made him a monster. Just as your past and your family does not define you." (Asta noticed that Frigga avoided mentioning about her having no mother.) "This child will not grow up thinking he's anything but a loved son, grandson, nephew, and prince."

"We will need to glamor him, won't we?"

Frigga sighed. "For the sake of keeping the peace and Loki's secret, yes. He believes that no one should know about his true heritage. And that does keep you safe from others thinking he did not father your child."

Asta nodded. "We'll have much explaining to do as he grows."

"Yes. And you will do a wonderful job. And Loki will have much to teach him." Frigga smiled, determined to change the subject. "Who do you think he'll take after? Your patience or Loki's impulsiveness? Your blue eyes or Loki's green?"

"Oh, I hope he's patient as me, but I also hope he looks more like Loki. I want him to have his father's smile."

"Yes, his smile is definitely captivating. Oh, Asta, I am so happy for you both. And I am so excited to be a grandmother!"

Asta giggled. "You're going to spoil this child, aren't you?"

"Positively rotten!"

Just then, Asta let out a big yawn.

"Oh, excuse me!" she apologized. "I didn't sleep well last night. This little prince apparently doesn't understand royal decorum or days verses nights yet."

Frigga smiled warmly. "Yes, my dear. I completely understand. Why don't you take a nap? We'll get this cleaned up later. I'm sure Loki will be back from his meeting soon."

She waited a second, winked, and then turned to watch the door open.

Loki entered and smiled at seeing the 2 most important women in his life. "Hello, Mother! I didn't expect to see you here." He walked to Asta, placed his hands on her shoulders, and kissed the top of her head. "Hello, my love."

Asta put her hands on his and smiled up at him.

Frigga stood. "Actually, I was just leaving. I had a lovely tea with your wife and now I believe she has earned a nap. Someone's son is running her ragged."

Loki blushed a bit. "Yes, well, I think a foot rub might be in order as well," he said, hoping to steer away from being the bad guy.

Asta sighed dramatically. "That might get you forgiven."

Frigga laughed. "Well, I shall leave you two to figure it out. I will see you soon." She blew a kiss to them both and left.

Loki guided Asta to the bed and put her feet on his lap. He absentmindedly began to massage them. "So, what did you ladies do this afternoon?"

"Mother brought tea here, which was wonderful because I'm not sure I could have walked there. And then we mostly chatted about motherhood."

"Oh dear. More stories of my youth?"

Asta giggled. "Not exactly. Just what to expect with this little one."

He paused. "His Jotun side?" he asked quietly.

"It came up. We'll have a plan in place."

Loki sighed.

Asta reached for him and he stopped rubbing her feet. He crawled up to her and pulled her back to his chest.

"My mischief, you need to stop. Even if Fredrik comes out purple with green polka dots, we're going to love him just the same."

Loki chuckled, just a bit. "I think everyone would question his parentage then, my light."

A twinge of the baby's magic snapped at Loki's words.

Loki did laugh at that. "Ok, my son. I get it, no questioning who your father is. I'd say he's got his mother's stubbornness."

"If you're referring to our stubborn need to keep proving to you that we love you and you are worthy, then yes, I agree. I hope he has that from me as well."

"Ouch, precious. Way to turn my words back against me."

Asta shrugged. "I know you were kidding, but if anyone questioned me as to whom the father of this baby is, I'm fairly certain that Fredrik would make it quite known."

"Yes, I'm certain of that as well. I'm not sure if he's being protective of you or me in that circumstance."

"Both I would say. He's a very loving boy."

"That he gets from his mother and I won't argue that."

Asta scoffed. "You're loving as well. You just hide it better."

"Perhaps. Now, I believe my mother spoke of a nap?"

"You're changing the subject, but I'm just too tired to argue. I think I shall sleep quite peacefully in the arms of my king."

"Anything my queen desires," he said softly as he gently cradled her belly and stroked it with his thumb. From within, his son pressed up to his hand. "He's so perceptive," Loki whispered.

"Mmm-hmm," Asta mumbled, sleep already taking her. "I keep telling you his magic knows yours."

Loki chuckled. "Our son."

Asta could only smile as she finally fell into her nap.

Loki felt her breathing evening out. He sighed as he just allowed himself to feel the relief of having his wife and their unborn son in his arms. What had he done to deserve this blessing? How different would his life be if Asta wasn't in it? He decided to avoid that question. The answer wouldn't be good. Instead, he focused back on Asta and Fredrik. Would the child have his hair? His nose? He hoped Asta's eyes would sparkle back at him from his son's face. He hoped against hope that the baby wouldn't show his Jotun side, but that wasn't likely. But of course Asta and Frigga would have a plan in place by then. What would he do without the most important women in his life?

"Would you please turn your brain off and nap with me?" Asta mumbled.

Loki startled a bit. So deep in his musings that he didn't notice that she woke. "Darling, how did you know?"

She laughed. "My dearest, I know you probably better than you know yourself. You're far too within your own head right now, worrying unnecessarily. I can feel it. Rest with us. We're fine."

"Oh, my protector queen. Saving me from myself. You're right. I love you, my heart."

"I love you, my mischief," she said softly as she nodded off again.